Sami Sidhom: Student ambushed in Forest Gate knife attack 'just went out to watch football and never came back'

The family of a teenage student who was ambushed and stabbed to death yards from home today demanded answers over the attack and said: “He just went out to watch football and never came back.”

Sami Sidhom, 18, was returning home from watching West Ham United play when four men jumped out of two cars and stabbed him repeatedly.

Residents heard him scream “Help me I’ve been stabbed” before he collapsed yards from his front door. The Queen Mary University student lay dying as neighbours tried to stem the flow of blood with towels in Chestnut Avenue, Forest Gate, at 10.50pm on Monday.

His aunt Orania, 68, said: “He was a very clever and kind boy. He was a joy to be around. He was shy and intelligent, we are all devastated. He was never in trouble and a good family boy. He just went out to watch football and never came back.”

Sami lived with his father and grandmother. The family is from Sudan, but moved to Egypt and then Britain.

Sami was a history undergraduate who wanted a career in the legal profession, according to friends.

Friend Tariq Bhugeloo, 22, who tried to save his life, said: “This was a good boy. A good family boy who looked after his grandmother. He was nothing to do with gangs. When you saw him it was like the sun coming up, he made you happy.”

A post-mortem examination revealed that Sami died from stab wounds.

Detective Inspector John Marriott, who is leading the investigation, said: “We are keen to hear from anyone who may have seen or heard anything.”

Witnesses or anyone with information should call police on 020 8345 3715, via Twitter @MetCC or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.